An informal evaluation, what we call a "1 on 1",  is a scheduled monthly meeting between a supervisor/manager and a direct report for the purpose of reviewing performance in the areas of job knowledge, productivity, customer service, and quality of work.

• Frequent informal performance reviews give you an opportunity to re-train and coach employees before poor performance becomes a disciplinary issue.

• Informal performance reviews give employees an opportunity to explain why they may have had a bad month statistically, which in turn may arm you with some “reasons” when your boss approaches you about YOUR team’s results! 

• Let's face it, we are often too busy to make daily rounds and serve up kudos and "job well-dones" as often as we have been taught to in management class; an informal performance appraisal is an excellent time to let an employee know how much you appreciate their efforts and to compliment them on the things he/she is doing right.

• For informal reviews, it is quite acceptable to have the employee be responsible for presenting statistics and other measurements for discussion.  Not having time to prepare is often a reason managers cancel these meetings. We say don't prepare, just show up; let the employee bring measurements of their performance.

• During your first few 1 on 1's you should focus on ensuring the employee has the training he/she needs; that the company is doing everything reasonably to set the employee up for success; and making sure the employee is clear as to what the standards are for their respective job?  You do have standards right?  No?  Click here, we might be able to help.

• Lastly, again, the ongoing purpose of a 1 on 1 is to coach in the areas of job knowledge, productivity, customer service, and quality of work.  Nothing should come as a surprise to an employee when they meet with you for their annual or semi-annual Formal Performance Review.

Performance Evaluation Template HRIT offers templates you can use as suggested in our tutorial. Price:  $19.99 An editable six-section Employee Evaluation Form; a template for formally reviewing job performance in the areas of Job Knowledge, Customer Service, Productivity, and Quality. Also included are one page of tips on writing a Performance Review.   All HR Forms